Things of Interest

You all saw this coming, right? We couldn't have one of our hosts be a genetics PhD and not geek out about the new mRNA vaccines.

We're easing back into it with a chat about how this pandemic has affected our brains and general functioning.

What does it mean to be a good ally? How can better support each other without drawing unwanted attention to ourseleves? What does allyship mean in a world obsessed with individual personality, and how do we normalise and advocate for different styles of allyship?

Today: scams. Sophia talks about the wild ride that is Elizabeth Holmes's Theranos. How are we scammed? What do they target? How can we protect ourselves, without losing trust and goodwill?

I can only describe this episode as catharsis. We start with a mini-therapy session as we discuss our feelings and the different ways we manage them. Then, as we feel stronger and more capable, we move on to discussing the real change that we can influence to make the world a better place for everyone. This episode uplifted me and placated my worst anxieties. I hope you enjoy it too.

Two topics today: First, we revisit artificial intelligence, and its uses (and dangers) in healthcare. Second, we talk about climate and societal anxiety — how to do better in an increasingly scary world, while taking care of ourselves and our mental health.

Why do we procrastinate? How do we overcome our perfectionist tendancies, without sacrificing quality and pride? Today we have a nice, lowkey, casual chat about our personal approaches to perfectionism and procrastination, and riff of what works and doesn't work for us.

How do we ensure our privacy in an increasingly digitised world? How does trust work in this space and how is it different from what we understand? What is informed consent when we cannot be informed, when it is impossible to be informed? And if we cannot consent, who should manage that consent? Governments? Corporations? Neither or both? And what does this mean for our genetic information?

This is not a happy episode. This is not a light episode. We spend some time processing the tactics, groups and propaganda that lures people into white supremacist online groups. We are a country still in mourning, so please skip this episode if needed. Take care of yourselves. Arohanui.